Kia has begun assembling early prototype units of its upcoming EV3 electric SUV in Mexico, marking a key step toward the model’s anticipated entry into the United States market later this year.
According to registration data, 15 EV3 units were produced last month at Kia’s manufacturing plant in Pesquería, Nuevo León. These initial builds are understood to be test prototypes, which correspond with recent sightings of heavily camouflaged EV3 vehicles undergoing road testing.
The limited output indicates that Kia is in the early stages of scaling up North American production while maintaining a cautious approach. This measured rollout comes as the United States prepares for a scheduled review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in July, with local reports suggesting the automaker is closely monitoring developments before expanding operations further.
The EV3 has already established a foothold in global markets. Since its European debut in November 2024, the compact electric SUV has gained traction благодаря its competitive pricing and strong range figures, offering up to 375 miles on a single charge. Priced from approximately €36,000 (around $38,300), the model quickly rose in popularity, ranking third in the United Kingdom within its first year and securing a position among the top ten best-selling electric vehicles across Europe and Australia.
Kia recently confirmed during the New York International Auto Show that the EV3 will be introduced in the U.S., resolving earlier uncertainty surrounding its launch timeline. Positioned as an entry-level electric SUV, the EV3 is designed to deliver many of the features found in the larger EV9, while appealing to a broader audience with a lower price point.
In the U.S. market, the EV3 will be offered in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The base Light variant is expected to feature a 58.3 kWh battery paired with a front-mounted electric motor, delivering an estimated driving range of up to 220 miles.
Higher trims will adopt a larger 81.4 kWh battery, extending the range to as much as 320 miles in front-wheel-drive configurations. All-wheel drive will be available as an option on the Wind and Land trims, while it will come standard on the GT-Line and GT variants.
Built on Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform, the EV3 will support DC fast charging capabilities. The smaller battery is expected to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 29 minutes, while the larger battery pack will require around 31 minutes under similar conditions.
Although official U.S. pricing has yet to be announced, the EV3 is widely expected to start at around $35,000, positioning it below the EV6, which currently carries a starting price of $42,900.
Once launched, the EV3 will enter a highly competitive and rapidly growing segment of affordable electric SUVs in the U.S., where models such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Toyota’s bZ series are gaining momentum. Tesla’s Model Y continues to lead overall EV sales in the country, followed by the Model 3 and an expanding lineup of mainstream electric crossovers.
